Investigation of Neutron Star Structure with an Unusual NN Potential

A neutron star’s structure results from the underlying character of the NN interaction. We propose to use a novel NN interaction that has a one-pion exchange long-range tail and a short range interaction that has been replaced by a Dirac delta function. This interaction has been tuned to fit the NN phase shifts and the short-range repulsive piece of traditional NN interactions has been removed. We begin by reproducing the classic neutron star as described by Baym et al [1], using a traditional RK4 technique and we demonstrate that we can reproduce the classic result. Our next step is to use our novel NN interaction to construct a nuclear equation of state and then use that EOS in to compute the structure of a new neutron star with this interaction as its basis. This simple interaction will allow us to investigate how the neutron star structure is a function of the NN interaction. Since this interaction is similar to modern “no core shell model” interactions, we may be able to make connections to those calculations of neutron star structure as well, as well as investigating rotating neutron stars.



1. Baym, G., C. Pethick, and P. Sutherland, The Ground State of Matter at High Densities: Equation of State and Stellar Models. The Astrophysical Journal, 1971. 170: p. 299.